Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, applauded the introduction of H.R. 962, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Equity Act,” a top legislative priority for the FOP. This legislation was introduced by Representatives William J. Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) and Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

“Due to their high level of training and the dangerous nature of the profession, Congress rightfully determined that Federal law enforcement officers should receive enhanced salary and retirement benefits compared to other Federal employees,” explained Yoes. “These enhanced benefits are referred to as 6(c) benefits, but, because of regulatory inconsistencies, nearly 30,000 Federal law enforcement officers do not receive these benefits.”

This legislation would provide all Federal law enforcement officers with 6(c) retirement benefits and the ability to retire after 20 years of service after the age of 50 or after 25 years of service at any age. If enacted, thousands of officers serving in agencies within the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, as well as those employed by the FBI Police, U.S. Postal Service, Federal Protective Service, National Institute of Health, U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will receive the same enhanced benefits as their Federal law enforcement counterparts.

"All Federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day, no matter which Federal agency they work for. This bill will ensure that all Federal law enforcement officers receive the same benefits when they retire," said Yoes. “The FOP is grateful to Representatives Pascrell, Garbarino, Connolly and Fitzpatrick for introducing this legislation which would expand the definition of ‘law enforcement officer’ for retirement benefits to include all Federal law enforcement officers.”

The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States with more than 356,000 members.